Welcome to the OGA 

OGA Life Membership

In 2024, 96% of our Year 12 students joined the OGA. This is an outstanding uptake of the OGA Life Membership.

The OGA is delighted to welcome the following Year 12 members:

Jenna Ackland, Mietta Adams, Toto Ajiboye, Lily Anthony, Ben Bachmann, Charlie Baker, Ethan Basilewsky, Charlotte Bett, Mackenzie Bickley, Ava Bonsey, Elliott Boucher, Archer Bowles, William Bowles, Nathan Brain, Greta Burns, Chloe Butcher, Lenny Chapman, Ruben Christie, Jeremy Clemens, Evie Collins, Ruby Conti, Solomon Cook, Hunter Coote, Eliza Coutts, Morgan Cullen, Chloe Davey, Tomlin Dean, Maya Dignan, Patrick Diss, Sanuthmi Dolage, Bailey Dolan, Bella Draper, Jessica Evangelica, Miffy Fisher, Jonty Fodor, James Forbes, Sam Fraser, James Gibson, Lucy Hall, Logan Hammet, Mark Henry, Emma Hines, Kai Humphrey, Amy Jacobsen, Sammy Johnston, Saanvi Joshi, Thusaara Kajarajan, Samuel Kay, Siennah Kean, Laura Knox, Oshadha Kodippiliarachchi, Rory Kotnik, Fraser Lee, Sophie McClure, Spencer McIntosh, Lincoln McKern, Nathan McKern, Otto McMeeken, Amelie Miller, Ryan Moat, Kira Moloney, Isabella Monichino, Henry Morrison, Nahtasha Mueller, Zain Muhammad, Joshua Niazmand, Marcus O'Brien, Dhane Page, Chloe Peter, Harrison Phillips, Kiara Primmer, Sarah Radford, Tadhg Ralph, Monique Reid, Lily Richter, Olive Ritchie, Sebastian Robinson, Ben Rohan, Ada Sandercock, Max Sarakul, Greta Scuderi, Cayden Shannon, Charlie Smith, Seren Smith, Aiden Thompson-Hall, Ashton Thompson-Hall, Shi Huan Tong, Jett Upton, Zane Van Wynen, Alannah Warren, Grace Whitsed, Angus Williams, Oliver Willits, Megan Wilson and Amelie Woodward.

Honorary Associate Life Membership

Congratulations to Dr Andrew Itter and Mrs Collette Derrick, who were welcomed into the OGA in December after receiving an Honorary Associate Life Membership for having worked at the school for 20 years.

Board member Mr Jarrah O’Shea also received an Associate Life Membership to the OGA in recognition of his three years of service on the Board.

Below we take the opportunity to reflect on the outstanding service these staff members have given over the last 20 years.

Dr Andrew Itter

Andrew is a passionate and gifted educator whose lessons have left a profound impact on his students’ lives over two decades. From his arrival at Girton, it was clear that the newly minted doctor would become an invaluable asset to the school. His refreshing, visionary approach revolutionised the teaching of religious studies, introduced students to the wonders of Classics, and fostered a lifelong appreciation for English literature.

Affectionately known as ‘Doc’, Andrew is beloved by all for his dry wit, engaging teaching style and dedication to his students’ work and wellbeing. He has the rare ability to make every student feel seen and valued, investing time in uncovering their interests so he can connect with them on an individual level. In his classes, questions are posed not to test students’ attentiveness but because he is genuinely interested in their answers – listening with an earnestness that instils confidence in even the most reserved learners.

Through his ability to demystify complex ideas and draw out untapped student potential, Andrew is able to transform the daunting into the achievable and the abstract into the engaging. Students have shared that they complete Dr Itter's homework not out of fear or obligation, but because his investment in their lives and learning makes them feel as though they are contributing something important.

Andrew’s classes have proven to be a turning point for so many learners at Girton. His expressions and wisdom echo in their minds long after they have left school, as do fond memories of smuggling cakes, navigating the nuances of hubris, and circling the classroom in cult-like formation while chanting chorus lines from The Bacchae.

Dr Andrew Itter, for 20 years of outstanding service to Girton Grammar School, we thank you.

Mrs Collette Derrick

Collette began her journey at Girton as a Student Support Officer, where her dedication and compassion shone through from the outset in her advocacy for the student under her care. Collette then moved into a role focused on supporting students with numeracy. Working across both the Junior and Senior Schools saw Collette build long-term relationships with students of all ages who will never forget the impact she has had on their learning journey.

Over the last 15 years, Collette has established herself as a leader in numeracy support within the Junior School, renowned for her ability to instil a love of mathematics in all students. An innovative educator who is always eager to enhance her practice, Collette has embraced new programs with enthusiasm, continually refining her approach to ensure her lessons are engaging, fun and accessible for all learners.

Collette’s colleagues admire her passion and dedication to helping students reach their potential, noting that it is not uncommon to see her giving up time before or after school to provide additional support. In turn, students hold Mrs Derrick in high regard, knowing she can be relied on to show them different ways to learn concepts that ‘just make sense’. By fostering a safe and encouraging environment, she empowers her students to ask for help, take risks and achieve outcomes they may have never thought possible.

Beyond her contributions to Inclusive Education, Collette has also played an integral role in Girton’s co-curricular program. For many years she was a steadfast supporter of the school’s rowing club, motivating students on and off the water. More recently, she has embraced Girton’s expanding aerobic gymnastics program, leading warm-up sessions and enthusiastically cheering on students at competitions.

Mrs Collette Derrick, for 20 years of outstanding service to Girton Grammar School, we thank you.